poloniahsv

10/20/2026

10/19/2026

Celebration of Polish Wigilia, Good Shepherd Catholic Church Parish Hall, 9 December, 6:30-10:30. Mark your calendars. As always, this will be a festive celebration
Some things to keep in mind:

1. Significance of Opłatek
2. Meaning of 12 specific dishes:
3. Kolędy
4. Santa will be there - bring gifts for your children

10/16/2026

Today, 16 October, in 1978, Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, Archbishop of Kraków, was elected Pope John Paul II. He became the first Polish pope and the first non-Italian pontiff in 455 years, marking a historic moment for Poland and the Catholic Church.

10/15/2026

Today, 15 October, in 1817, Tadeusz Kościuszko, one of Poland's greatest national heroes, passed away at the age of 71 in Solothurn, Switzerland.

A celebrated military leader and champion of freedom, Kościuszko fought for American independence and led the Kościuszko Uprising of 1794 against foreign domination of Poland. His courage, patriotism, and dedication to liberty made him a lasting symbol of freedom in both Poland and the United States. His remains were returned to Poland in 1818 and laid to rest at Wawel Cathedral in Kraków.

10/12/2026

October is Polish American Heritage Month — a time to celebrate more than four centuries of Polish history in America.

October is an opportunity to remember an enormous Polish-American story. It includes Revolutionary War figures such as Tadeusz Kościuszko and Kazimierz Pułaski, generations of immigrants who built new lives in American cities and industrial communities, Polish churches and neighbourhoods, family businesses, scientists, soldiers, artists and millions of families who kept elements of Polish culture alive far from Poland.

For many Polish Americans, that heritage survives in wonderfully ordinary things too: a grandmother's recipe, Polish spoken around the family table, pierogi at Christmas, a parish festival, a white-and-red flag in the house, or stories about the village or city their family once left behind. More than four centuries after those first Poles reached Jamestown, that connection between Poland and America is still alive. If you have Polish roots in America, where did your family come from — and which Polish traditions have survived in your family?

10/12/2026

Polish class will be held on October 14th from 7-9 PM, in the Parish Life Center, Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 13550 Chaney Thompson Rd SE, Huntsville, AL. See the attached photo for the location of the Life Center in the church complex and our classroom. Also, look for the Polish flag in the parking lot.

You do not want to miss this class!!! It will be very exciting. Karolina will share an authentic recipe from a famous ginger bread making originated in the town of Torun.

Agenda:
1. Ginger bread making - Karolina B instructor
2. Presentation on Torun by Max Burton
3. Vocabulary and pronunciation

10/06/2026

The Philippines welcomed a historic guest today, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Polish President Karol Nawrocki and First Lady Marta Nawrocka were formally received at Malacañan Palace by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos.
No Polish head of state had ever made a state visit to the Philippines before this trip. The two countries first became diplomatic partners more than 50 years ago, in 1973.
The welcome ceremony included arrival honors, followed by the signing of the Palace guest book. President Nawrocki and President Marcos then held a private meeting to discuss shared interests and new ways to work together.
According to reports, the leaders are expected to sign agreements and hold a joint press conference. A state banquet is also being held for the visiting couple.
Talks are set to cover defense, trade, farming, technology, legal cooperation, and tourism. Reports also note that the visit is part of Poland's wider effort to build ties with Asian nations ahead of the G20 summit in December.
Before leaving on October 8, President Nawrocki is set to visit Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, home of Philippine Air Force Black Hawk helicopters that were built in Poland.
Poland is home to about 25,000 Filipinos, many of whom work to support families back home. Closer ties between the two countries could mean better protection and more opportunities for them.
History is often made in quiet rooms through simple conversations. As the Philippines and Poland open a new chapter, may this friendship bring lasting good for both nations and for every Filipino who calls Poland a second home.

10/05/2026

Saint of the Day today, October 5th, is Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, forever linked to the annual feast of the Divine Mercy, the Divine Mercy chaplet, and the Divine Mercy prayer.

10/05/2026

October is Polish American Heritage Month! 🇵🇱🇺🇸
Polish American Heritage Month is celebrated throughout October in the United States as a time to honor Polish culture, history, traditions, and the many contributions Polish Americans have made to this country!